Deuteronomy 29:9

KJV

Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.

KJV (with Strong's)

Keep {H8104} therefore the words {H1697} of this covenant {H1285}, and do {H6213} them, that ye may prosper {H7919} in all that ye do {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, observe the words of this covenant and obey them; so that you can make everything you do prosper.

Berean Standard Bible

So keep and follow the words of this covenant, that you may prosper in all you do.

American Standard Version

Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 29:9 serves as a pivotal exhortation within Moses' final discourse, urging the Israelites to diligently observe and actively obey the terms of the Mosaic Covenant. This verse encapsulates the foundational principle of conditional blessing, asserting that their faithful adherence to God's commands is the direct prerequisite for holistic prosperity and success in all their endeavors as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. It underscores the vital link between covenant loyalty and divine favor, establishing a pattern for their future well-being as God's chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 29 initiates a new and crucial section of Moses' farewell address to the second generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab just before their entry into Canaan. Following the detailed exposition of the Law (chapters 12-26) and the dramatic pronouncements of blessings and curses (chapter 28), chapter 29 focuses on the solemn renewal of the covenant. Moses explicitly states that this covenant is not just with their ancestors at Horeb (Mount Sinai) but with "us, who are all of us here alive today" [Deuteronomy 29:15](/deuteronomy/29-15 "Deuteronomy 29:15 - Covenant with the Present Generation"). The verses immediately preceding verse 9 (Deuteronomy 29:2-8) recount God's mighty acts of deliverance and sustenance in the wilderness, reminding the people of His faithfulness and their own eyewitness experience of His power. Verse 9, therefore, functions as the climactic call to action, drawing a direct consequence from God's past faithfulness and their present commitment. It sets the stage for the covenant curses and blessings that follow in the subsequent chapters, emphasizing the gravity of their choice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the plains of Moab, around 1406 BC, as the Israelites stand on the threshold of the Promised Land, forty years after the Exodus. This generation, having grown up in the wilderness, did not personally witness the giving of the Law at Sinai, yet they are fully bound by it. The covenant renewal ceremony, common in the Ancient Near East, served to re-establish the relationship between a suzerain (God) and His vassals (Israel) and ensure the continuity of their obligations. Treaties of this era often included stipulations, blessings for obedience, and curses for disobedience, mirroring the structure of Deuteronomy. The concept of "prosperity" (`sakal`) was deeply intertwined with agricultural success, military victory, and the flourishing of the community, all of which were seen as direct indicators of divine favor in an agrarian society. Their future in the land, including their ability to conquer and settle, was entirely dependent on their adherence to this covenant, distinguishing them from the surrounding pagan nations whose prosperity was attributed to various deities or fate.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout Deuteronomy and the entire Pentateuch. The most prominent is **Covenant Obedience**, where the keeping and doing of God's "words" are presented as non-negotiable for Israel's well-being. This is not merely intellectual assent but active, practical adherence to God's revealed will, reflecting a deep, relational commitment. Closely linked is the theme of **Conditional Blessings**, which posits a direct cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's faithfulness and God's favor. The promise of "prosperity in all that ye do" is a tangible manifestation of God's blessing, encompassing not just material wealth but also wisdom, success, and overall flourishing. This theme is extensively elaborated in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), which details the stark consequences of obedience versus disobedience. Furthermore, the verse subtly reinforces **God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, as He is the one who establishes the covenant and promises to uphold His end of the agreement, provided Israel fulfills theirs. It also speaks to the theme of **Divine Pedagogy**, as Moses continually reminds the people of God's past acts and future expectations, teaching them how to live as a holy nation in the land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Keep (Hebrew, _shamar_):** This verb signifies more than mere retention; it implies guarding, observing, protecting, and diligently attending to something. In the context of the covenant, it means to carefully heed God's commands, to safeguard them from neglect or corruption, and to maintain a watchful adherence to their stipulations. It suggests an active, intentional, and continuous engagement with the "words of this covenant," ensuring they remain central to Israel's life and identity.
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _berith_):** A foundational term in biblical theology, _berith_ refers to a solemn, binding agreement, often initiated by a superior party (God) and involving specific obligations, promises, and sometimes curses. Here, it refers to the Mosaic Covenant, renewed on the plains of Moab, which defines the unique relationship between Yahweh and Israel. It is not merely a contract but a relational bond, establishing Israel as God's treasured possession and outlining the terms of their communal and individual life under His rule.
* **Prosper (Hebrew, _sakal_):** This word carries a rich semantic range beyond simple material success. While it can include material flourishing, _sakal_ primarily means to act wisely, to have insight, to be prudent, to succeed, or to flourish holistically. It suggests that God would grant the Israelites discernment and skill in their undertakings, leading to successful outcomes in their governance, agriculture, warfare, and daily lives. This prosperity is therefore a result of divine wisdom being applied through human obedience, leading to comprehensive well-being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Keep therefore the words of this covenant,"**: This initial clause functions as a direct command, emphasizing the imperative nature of adherence. "The words of this covenant" refer to the entire corpus of laws, statutes, and ordinances that Moses has been expounding throughout Deuteronomy, which constitute the terms of Israel's relationship with God. "Keep" (_shamar_) stresses the need for careful attention, preservation, and vigilant observance of these divine instructions. The "therefore" links this command directly to the preceding narrative of God's faithfulness and Israel's renewed commitment.
* **"and do them,"**: This second command complements the first, moving from internal observance to external action. "Do them" (_asah_) signifies active performance, execution, and practical application of the covenant's terms. It is not enough to merely know or guard the words; they must be put into practice. This active obedience is the tangible demonstration of their "keeping" the covenant and the true measure of their faithfulness to God.
* **"that ye may prosper in all that ye do."**: This final clause states the direct, divinely ordained consequence of obedience. The conjunction "that" introduces a purpose or result clause, establishing the conditional nature of the blessing. "Prosper" (_sakal_) encompasses a broad spectrum of well-being, including wisdom, insight, success, and flourishing in every aspect of life—social, economic, military, and spiritual. "In all that ye do" indicates the comprehensive scope of this promised prosperity, extending God's blessing to every endeavor and undertaking of the obedient nation.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 29:9 primarily employs **Conditional Statement** and **Exhortation**. The verse is structured as a clear "if-then" proposition, even if the "if" is implied by the imperative "Keep... and do." The act of obedience ("Keep... and do them") is presented as the necessary condition for the promised outcome ("that ye may prosper"). This conditional structure is foundational to the Deuteronomic theology of blessing and curse. The verse also functions as a direct **Exhortation**, a forceful urging or appeal from Moses to the people, reflecting his pastoral concern and prophetic authority. Furthermore, there is an element of **Covenant Language**, as the phrase "words of this covenant" directly invokes the legal and relational framework central to Israel's identity. The promise of "prosper in all that ye do" can also be seen as a form of **Merism**, encompassing the entirety of their existence and efforts, indicating a comprehensive and holistic blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 29:9 encapsulates a core theological principle of the Old Testament: the intimate connection between obedience to God's revealed will and the experience of His blessing. This verse affirms that God's covenant with Israel was not merely a set of rules but a relational framework designed for their flourishing. It highlights God's desire for His people to thrive, not just spiritually, but holistically, in every aspect of their lives. This prosperity, however, is not automatic but contingent upon their active and diligent adherence to the "words of this covenant." This principle underscores God's faithfulness to His promises, both of blessing for obedience and consequences for disobedience, and it establishes a paradigm for understanding divine interaction with humanity throughout salvation history.

* [Leviticus 26:3-13](/leviticus/26-3 "Leviticus 26:3-13 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Joshua 1:7-8](/joshua/1-7 "Joshua 1:7-8 - Success through Meditation on the Law")
* [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalm/1-1 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessed Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 29:9 offers a timeless truth that transcends its original context, inviting believers today to consider the profound link between our obedience to God's Word and the holistic flourishing He desires for us. While we live under the New Covenant, the principle remains: aligning our lives with God's will, as revealed in Scripture and through Christ, leads to a deeper, more meaningful "prosperity." This isn't a guarantee of worldly riches, but a promise of spiritual wisdom, inner peace, purposeful living, and God's enabling grace in all our endeavors. It challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to God's commands and into active, joyful obedience, trusting that His ways are always for our good and His glory. Our diligent "keeping" and "doing" of His Word demonstrates our love for Him and opens the door for His blessings to manifest in our lives, not necessarily as material wealth, but as true well-being that endures beyond earthly circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "keeping" and "doing" God's Word look like practically in my daily life?**
* **How do I define "prosperity" in a way that aligns with biblical principles, especially in light of this verse?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be neglecting God's "words of this covenant," and how might that impact my spiritual or holistic well-being?**
* **How does my trust in God's faithfulness motivate my obedience, even when the immediate outcome isn't clear?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse promise material wealth to believers today?**

Answer: While "prosper" (`sakal`) in Deuteronomy 29:9 certainly included material and physical well-being for ancient Israel, its primary meaning encompasses wisdom, insight, and holistic success in all endeavors. For believers today, under the New Covenant, the promise of prosperity is transformed. It does not guarantee material wealth or freedom from hardship, but rather refers to spiritual flourishing, wisdom, peace, and God's enabling grace in all aspects of life. As [3 John 1:2](/3_john/1-2 "3 John 1:2 - Wishing Prosperity and Health") states, "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." This suggests a desire for holistic well-being, with spiritual prosperity being foundational. Our ultimate "prosperity" is found in Christ, who gives us abundant life [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life") and all spiritual blessings [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 29:9, with its emphasis on covenant obedience leading to prosperity, finds its ultimate and transformative fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Mosaic Covenant was conditional and revealed Israel's inability to perfectly "keep and do" God's words, Christ perfectly fulfilled every jot and tittle of the Law [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"). He is the embodiment of perfect obedience, and through His atoning sacrifice, He established a New Covenant, "a better covenant, which was established on better promises" [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant"). Under this New Covenant, believers are not called to earn prosperity through perfect adherence to the Law, but rather to live by faith in Christ, whose righteousness is imputed to them [Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness Through Faith"). The "prosperity" promised in Deuteronomy is reinterpreted and elevated in Christ; it is no longer primarily material, but spiritual and eternal. We "prosper" by receiving the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live a life of transformed obedience [Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled"), by gaining wisdom and understanding in God's will [Colossians 1:9-10](/colossians/1-9 "Colossians 1:9-10 - Filled with Knowledge and Wisdom"), and by experiencing the abundant life that comes from being united with Him [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ"). Our ultimate "prosperity" is found in the spiritual blessings and eternal inheritance secured for us by Christ, the true Lamb of God [1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 2:3

And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:

Deuteronomy 4:6

Keep therefore and do [them]; for this [is] your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation [is] a wise and understanding people.

Luke 11:28

But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Joshua 1:7

Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it [to] the right hand or [to] the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

Hebrews 13:20

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Hebrews 13:21

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Deuteronomy 29:1

¶ These [are] the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb.